NJAS: Nature Center of Cape May Calendar of Events

Daytime Family Programs

FAMILY CHARTER BOAT FISHING TRIP*
Saturday, June 14
12:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Fishing is hands-on fun, and every kid should experience the thrill of catching a fish. In partnership with the local fishing charter boat, the Fiesta, come aboard for a half-day (four-hour) fishing trip. Learn how to tie knots and cast your line. Maybe you’ll land the biggest catch! Preregistration is required by calling the nature center at 609.898.8848. All children must be accompanied by an adult. *Boat leaves from the South Jersey Marina, located on Route 109 in Cape May. In case of rain and/or other cancellation, the trip will be held the following Saturday, June 21.
Cost: $35 per person.

HARBOR FEST: A SEA-LEBRATION OF SEAFOOD AND SONG
Saturday, June 21
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Join the Nature Center of Cape May and its community partners for the inaugural Harbor Fest, celebrating the sea, its culture, and its ecology. The festival will take place along the shores of Cape May Harbor, on Delaware Avenue, and on the nature center’s grounds. Fresh seafood, live music, seafood cooking demonstrations, and arts and crafts vendors will fill the streets, while marine educational programs, a blessing of the fleet, a kayak and canoe regatta, and much more will fill your day. For more information, contact the nature center at 609.898.8848.

NATURE’S YUCKY!
Sunday, June 29
1:00 p.m.
For ages four and up with an adult. Come explore a world of animals that do some really icky, stinky, and gross stuff that helps nature work! Who’s the garbage guy? Who throws up for their babies? Who can turn their stomachs inside out? We’ll search for these animals on our nature walk and then enjoy some scat cookies! Come dressed for the weather.
Cost: $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12 for members; $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12 for nonmembers; children under 3 free.

BEACHCOMBING AT THE COVE*
Sundays, July 6 through August 31
9:00 a.m.
*Meet a nature center naturalist at the 2nd Street pavilion on the Promenade in Cape May to explore one of the area’s ever-changing coastal habitats – the ocean, beach, and dunes of “The Cove.”
Cost: $10 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12, children under 3 free.

SALT MARSH SAFARI*
Mondays, June 2 through August 25
10:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
Welcome aboard the Jersey Cape’s premier wildlife tour boat, the forty-foot Skimmer, and explore with us Cape May’s beautiful coastal wetlands and wildlife. Fun and educational for all ages! To preregister, call 609.884.3100. *Boat leaves from Dolphin Cove Marina, across from the Two Mile Beach Unit of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge on Ocean Drive between Cape May and Wildwood Crest.
Cost: $26 adults, $15 children.

BIRDS AND BIRDING AT CAPE MAY:
PROGRAM AND BOOK SIGNING
Mondays, July 7, 21, and August 4
10:30 a.m.
The husband and wife team of Clay and Pat Sutton are longtime naturalists whose names are synonymous with Cape May – a place that has been aptly called the migration capitol of North America. Pat Sutton was the program director for the New Jersey Audubon Society’s Cape May Bird Observatory for twenty-one years. Prior to that, she was the park naturalist at Cape May Point State Park. Clay is a lifelong resident of Cape May, where he has worked as an environmental program administrator, vice president of an environmental consulting firm specializing in threatened and endangered species, and for the past decade a freelance naturalist and field biologist. Today, Clay and Pat are writers, naturalists, lecturers, and tour leaders. Pat’s consuming interests include owls, butterflies, and wildlife gardening and wildscapes. Clay is captivated by migration in all its forms. Their landmark 2006 book, Birds and Birding at Cape May, is the in-depth result of their efforts over many years documenting and protecting the migration and the hometown that they so love. Their program will share the history of birds and birding at Cape May. Expect a walk through time as they share images taken over the past thirty years, and even earlier during the days when hawks were gunned down for sport. Limit 25.
Cost: $10 members, $15 nonmembers.

HARBOR SAFARIS
Saturdays, June 7, 14
Tuesdays and Thursdays,
June 24 through August 28
10:30 a.m.
Encounter an incredible diversity of marine life as you pull a forty-foot seine net through the shallows of Cape May Harbor. You will learn about the lives of the animals that inhabit our coastal waters, including the fascinating Horse-shoe Crab. A great family outing! Walk-ins welcome; no preregistration necessary.
Cost: $10 adults, $5 children ages 3-12, children under 3 free.

CRABBING 101*
Tuesdays, June 24, July 8, 22
and August 5, 19
1:30 p.m.
Beautiful and delicious Blue Crabs are abundant in saltwater bays and creeks. Come aboard the Skimmer, a comfortable forty-foot, flat-bottom tour boat for a hands-on crabbing experience and demonstration. Learn methods for baiting lines and traps, the easiest methods of catching, and pinch-free ways to hold crabs. You can keep any legal size crab you catch! All equipment and materials are supplied. Preregister by calling the Skimmer at 609.884.3100. *Tours depart from Dolphin Cove Marina, across from the Two Mile Beach Unit of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, on Ocean Drive between Cape May and Wildwood Crest. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Limit 15.
Cost: $28 adults, $17 children.

CYCLING THE SOUTHERN CAPE
Wednesdays, June 25 thru Aug. 27
9:20 a.m.
Hop on your bike and join Fred Beyer and Phil Zimmerman for a leisurely twelve-mile tour of the most beautiful natural areas of Cape Island. Bring helmet, water, sunscreen, and bike. Or call for a list of local bike rental merchants. Please arrive by 9:20 a.m.; the tour will leave promptly at 9:30 a.m. Preregistration is recommended.
Cost: $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12 for members; $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12 for nonmembers; children under 3 free.

BRADNER’S RUN*
Wednesdays, June 18 thru Aug. 27
9:30 a.m.
Meander through a swamp forest along the southern border of historic Cold Spring Village with a nature center naturalist. Birds are everpresent and the species change with the seasons. Learn about the natural history of the native plants found there. Use your senses to watch flowers for insect pollinators, listen for birds in the forest, feel the bark of trees and the texture of the leaves, and look for signs of reclusive wildlife. *Tour leaves from the Seashore Road/Route 626 entrance of Historic Cold Spring Village. Call the nature center for directions and to preregister. Use your ticket for a discounted admission to visit the village, an early American living history museum with a variety of daily and weekend activities. (Web site: www.hcsv.org.)
Cost: $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12 for members; $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12 for nonmembers; children under 3 free.

GARDENING WITH GRETCHEN
and other master gardeners and associate naturalists
Wednesdays, June 18 thru August 27
10:30 a.m.
Join sanctuary director and Master Gardener Gretchen Ferrante, Master Gardener Evelyn Lovetts, and other experts in our nature center gardens to learn about wildlife-friendly gardens and the challenges of gardening at the shore. Become a regular volunteer and receive a free T-shirt and a pair of garden gloves! Cost: free.

SEASIDE SPLENDOR –
GARDENING BY THE SEA
Wednesday, July 30
10:30 a.m.
Learn about the landscape techniques necessary for successful coastal gardens. Includes visits to local gardens and emphasizes use of native and drought-tolerant plants. Participants take home plans, plant lists, and resources. This program is for all who appreciate the natural beauty of the coast and the gorgeous gardens that can be found in the region. Limit 25.
Cost: $10 members, $15 nonmembers.

WHAT’S YUM ABOUT BEACH PLUMS?
Wednesday, August 27
10:30 a.m.
Explore the culinary delights of Prunus maritima, a native shrub of the northeastern United States coast. Included is a trip to Cape Island’s plum-dandy, plum-picking spots, a recipe book, and a sampling of all recipes. Wear comfortable shoes and attire for walking the back dunes of the Delaware Bay. Limit: 25.
Cost: $8 adults, $5 kids 3-12 for members; $10 adults, $7 kids 3-12 for nonmembers; under 3 free.

CAPE ISLAND NATURE TROLLEY
Fridays, June 20 thru August 29
10:15 a.m.
Hop aboard a trolley for a guided tour of the most valuable properties in Cape May – our treasured natural habitats – home to fascinating birds, butterflies, and wildlife. Includes a stop at the nature center. *Board the trolley at the MAC information booth on the Mall, at the corner of Washington and Ocean Streets, in Cape May.
Cost: $12 adults, $8 children ages 3-12, children under 3 free.

FAMILY FARM DAYS
Fridays, July 11 & 25, August 8 & 22
10:20 a.m.
Join us for a morning on the farm as we touch and feed the animals and learn about farm life. Stops include Bay Springs Alpaca Farm and Sea Horse Farm. Please meet promptly at 10:20 a.m. at Sea Horse Farm on Taylor Lane, right off of Seashore Rd. in Lower Township. We will carpool to the Bay Springs Alpaca Farm about ½-mile away. Pre-registration is required; call for directions.
Cost: $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12 for members; $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12 for nonmembers; children under 3 free.

WILD ABOUT ANIMALS
Fridays, July 4, August 29
10:30 a.m.
From hawks and owls to snakes and turtles – enjoy this opportunity to see and hold live wild animals. Learn about the interesting lives of these wild creatures from Steve Serwatka, of New Jersey Nature, Inc, an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured wild animals. Guaranteed to capture the interest of curious minds of all ages!
Cost: $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12 for members; $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12 for nonmembers; children under 3 free.

HUNTERS OF THE SKY
Friday, August 1
10:30 a.m.
Live hawks and owls visit the nature center from the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge. Don’t miss this dramatic presentation that highlights the marvelous adaptations of these animals. Preregistration is recommended.
Cost: $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12 for members; $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12 for nonmembers; children under 3 free.

SALT HAY FARM TOURS*
Fridays, July 18 and August 15
10:20 a.m.
Salt hay farming was once an important industry along the Jersey coast. Join local historian, storyteller, and retired teacher Jack Sayre for an interesting and informative tour of his historic, fifty-acre salt hay farm. Passed down to him from his grandparents, Jack has been harvesting salt hay and sea lavender since 1950. Beth Ciuzio, NJAS’s stewardship project director for southern N.J., will also be available to talk about Mr. Sayre’s grassland habitat improvement project. She will describe other incentive programs that are available to farmers and landowners. *We will meet promptly at 10:20 a.m. at 1043 Seashore Road in Lower Township. Call 609.898.8848 to preregister and get directions.
Cost: $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12 for members; $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12 for nonmembers; children under 3 free.

BUTTERFLY GARDENS TOURS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY
South “Cape Island”
Friday, July 11; Saturday, August 16; Sunday, September 14
Mid-County “North Cape May to Rio Grande”
Saturday, July 12; Sunday, August 17; Friday, September 12
North “Goshen to Dennisville”
Sunday, July 13; Friday, August 15; Saturday, September 13
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for all tours.
More butterfly and hummingbird gardens are tucked into Cape May County than probably anywhere else in the country. Naturalist and author Patricia Sutton leads these tours, which include her garden in Goshen, and NCCM director Gretchen Ferrante’s garden in Cape May. Gardens showcased are large and small, young and old, with water features, caterpillar food plants, and interesting seating structures. The gardens look different from one month to the next, so consider attending several tours. See unique designs and new wildlife plants while being entertained by butterflies, hummingbirds, and experienced wildlife gardeners. Twenty-two gardens will be shown each weekend. Plan to bring your lunch and eat with the group in a garden. Before the tours, print and bring along N.J. Audubon’s articles “How to Create a Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden” and the “Plantings to Attract Hummingbirds, Butterflies, and Moths” available by clicking here and clicking here. Tours start at the center. Call 609.898.8848 to preregister. Limit: 25 per tour.
Cost per tour: $25 members,
$35 nonmembers; three-tour discount: $60 members, $90 nonmembers.

TIDAL MARSH TOUR BY KAYAK
Daily, mid-June thru September 1
9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Explore Cape May County’s most beautiful and untouched salt marsh via sit-on-top kayaks, and get ready for close encounters with nesting Ospreys, egrets, and other marsh life. No experience necessary! Led by experienced guides from Aqua Trails Kayak Tours. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, towel, and wear water shoes and appropriate clothing. Make reservations at the nature center.
Cost: Single kayak $46, double kayak $80.

KAYAK CLINIC
Saturday, July 12 and August 9
9:30 a.m.
Perfect your kayaking skills with the experienced guides from Aqua Trails Kayak Tours. Includes equipment review, safety, paddling techniques, wet exits, and entry. (We will not be teaching the Eskimo Roll!) Learn the best sites to launch your kayak for a self-guided paddle on nearby Cape Island Creek and other local tidal salt marshes. Bring your own kayak, PFD (personal floatation device) and paddle, or rent equipment from Aqua Trails. Dress to get wet. The lecture portion of this program is also appropriate for people who do not own a kayak but would like to learn more. Class size is limited and preregistration is highly recommended. Cost: $25 members, $35 nonmembers. Equipment rental: $25 for a single, sit-inside kayak.

New! BELLEPLAIN PINE BARRENS ECOLOGY KAYAK TOUR
July 28, 29, or 30
and August 11, 12, or 13
8:00 a.m. depart nature center and return approximately 3:00 p.m.
Join Aqua Trails Kayak Tours and nature center naturalists for an exciting paddle on one of Belleplain State Forest’s beautiful lakes. Be prepared for sightings of warblers, eagles, rare plants, and more! A great kayaking experience for all ages and abilities. All equipment and instruction provided by experienced Aqua Trails staff. Space is limited due to van size; reservations are strongly advised. Cost includes transportation, all equipment, guide, naturalist, snacks, and water.
Cost: $55 single kayak, $90 double kayak.

THE A. J. MEERWALD OYSTER SCHOONER COMES TO CAPE MAY*
Daily during August
Come for a sail aboard the historic and authentically restored 1928 oyster schooner, the A.J. Meerwald – New Jersey’s Tall Ship. You can experience the past with presentations on history, ecology, and traditional maritime skills. *Sails from Utsch’s Marina in Cape May at 1121 Route 109, just north of the Lobster House at the base of the Cape May Canal Bridge. The ship cruises the harbor and, weather permitting, out the Cold Spring Inlet and into the Atlantic Ocean. Reservations are required. Call 856.785.2060. Pick up a coupon at the Nature Center of Cape May or mention the center when making your reservation to receive a $5 discount. Part of the proceeds from your sail will benefit our education programs. Cost: Afternoon $30; evening $35, other prices for special trips. Call for details.

THE BIRDS OF CAPE MAY: A BIRD WALK FOR ALL PEOPLE*
Thursdays, June 5 through August 28
8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Not watching birds when you’re in Cape May is like not visiting the Grand Canyon when you’re in Arizona! Whether you are a seasoned birder or have never really thought about watching birds on purpose before, meet the Cape May Bird Observatory’s Don Freiday (or occasionally another Cape May expert) on the *Wildlife Viewing Platform, also known as the Hawk Watch, at Cape May Point State Park for a relaxed morning of birding. No binoculars? No problem – Don will have a crate full of good ones, including some really-good ones, and will show you how to use them if needed. You’ll see at least twenty species of birds, or the walk is free! For additional information and to preregister, contact the Cape May Bird Observatory at 609.884.2736. Cost:
$6 members, $10 nonmembers. Price includes “Cape May Birding Info Pack.”

EVENING FAMILY PROGRAMS

MARINE LIFE DISCOVERY CRUISE *
Mondays, June 23 thru August 25
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Come on a voyage of discovery into The Cape’s greatest wilderness, the Atlantic coastal tidal marshes, aboard the forty-foot tour boat the Skimmer. Watch as a nature center naturalist pulls a trawl net through the water and then examine the wriggling catch. *Tours depart from Dolphin Cove Marina on Ocean Drive between Cape May city and Wildwood Crest (across from the Two Mile Beach Unit of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge). All children must be accompanied by an adult. Limit: 15.
To make reservations, call the Skimmer at 609.884.3100.
Cost: $26 adults, $15 children.

FASCINATING FIREFLIES
Friday, July 18
8:00 p.m.
For ages 4 and up with an adult. As dusk approaches, lightening bugs begin their aeronautical light show to attract mates. Come learn about these curious beetles, and maybe even catch some for a close encounter. Bring a flashlight to participate in the fascinating firefly experiment. Come dressed for the weather.
Cost: members: $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12; nonmembers: $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12; children under 3 free.

BATS ABOUT!
Thursday, August 21
6:00 p.m.
For ages 4 and up, with an adult. In the twilight, bats actively hunt for insects. We’ll watch for these only true flying mammals and learn about their special adaptations as nighttime predators. Meet at the nature center for an indoor intro-duction to bats, then carpool to viewing site. Come dressed for the weather.
Cost: $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12 for members; $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12 for nonmembers; children under 3 free.

SUNSET KAYAK TOURS
Tuesdays and Saturdays
Mid-June through September 1
(time varies)
Our Tidal Marsh Tour by Kayak with the added scenery of a beautiful sunset over the marshes. See Tidal Marsh Tour by Kayak for more details.
Cost: $46 single kayak, $80 double kayak.

FULL MOON KAYAK TOURS
June 16, 17, and 18,
meet at 7:30 p.m.
July16, 17, and 18,
meet at 7:00 p.m.
August 14, 15, and 16,
meet at 6:30 p.m.
September 13, 14, and 15,
meet at 6:00 p.m.
Our Tidal Marsh Tour by Kayak, scheduled to take advantage of the beauty of both sunset and the ascent of the full moon. See Tidal Marsh Tour by Kayak for more details.
Cost: $46 single kayak, $80 double kayak.

NIGHTTIME ON THE BEACH – SEARCHING FOR GHOST CRABS*
Thursdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31
8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
August 7 and 14
8:00 to 9:00 p.m.
What can run sideways, dig a hole without a shovel, and has ten legs? Join us for an evening stroll on the beach at the Cove to look for these “ghosts” of the night, and other nocturnal creatures. Bring a flashlight, and *meet at the beach access point at the end of Mount Vernon Avenue, off of Broadway (toward the beach). There is free parking along the streets after 6:00 p.m. Call 609.898.8848 for directions and reservations.
Cost: $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12 for members; $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12 for nonmembers; children under 3 free.

Family Fun Fests and Campfire Circles
Wednesdays, July 9 through August 13

Family Fun Fests begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by enjoyable campfire circles. Join us for an evening of games, crafts, music and refreshments arranged around the fun themes listed below. Activities are for adults and children of all ages. Preregister by calling the nature center at 609.898.8848.
Cost: $10 per person for members, $15 for nonmembers; to attend campfire circles only, $5. Fees include all supplies and refreshments.

Joining us this year in presenting exciting marine programs will be marine educators of the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, located in Tuckerton, New Jersey. The reserve, or JC NERR, is one of the least-disturbed estuaries in the entire northeast. The 115,000-acre reserve is comprised of a variety of habitats including forested pinelands, the open marshes and wetlands of the Barnegat Bay and Mullica River-Great Bay estuary, and open ocean. The mission of JC NERR is to improve the management of coastal environments through science, education, and public outreach. The vision of the reserve is a “healthy, flourishing estuary sustained by science-based management and informed public stewardship.”

Family Nature CSI
Wednesday, July 9
Everybody loves a good mystery, and the natural world is full of them. Bring the family and join our CSI team. Become a science investigator to search for the signs and clues of our own nature crime scene. A “whodunit” for the whole family. Later, relax around the campfire while roasting marshmallows.

Explore the Shore
Wednesday, July 16
Walk with us along the harbor’s shores at night to see what creatures venture out in the evenings. We’ll seine the shallows by flashlight, listen for the clicking sounds of nocturnal Cusk Eels, and trek through the marsh in search of dancing Fiddler Crabs. Old sneakers or water shoes are a must! We’ll cap off the night with some seafaring stories of old around a crackling driftwood fire.

Christmas in July
Wednesday, July 23
“Jingle shells, jingle shells, jingle all the way. Oh, what fun it is to find seashells by the bay!” Join in a special evening of yuletide fun with a touch of summer. Sing your favorite holiday melodies with new lyrics just right for the hot nights of the season. We’ll make shell ornaments while we sip on “cold chocolate” and create our own snow. Can you think of a better way to cool off?

Harbor Luau
Wednesday, July 30
Aloha! Come to the tropics at our Harbor Luau. We’ll go “bananas” while “hanging ten,” making leis, and enjoying hula hoops, doing the limbo, beachcombing, and lots more. Don’t forget to dress in your colorful tropical attire. We may be getting wet, so be prepared by wearing a bathing suit!

Animal Olympics
Wednesday, August 6
Life can be a rat race at times, but what if you’re a turtle, crab, or dolphin? Join us for this Olympic event, and go for the gold against some of the world’s finest athletes in events like “Turtle Hurdles,” “Whack-a-Fish,” and the “Decapodathalon.”

Crab Fest
Wednesday, August 13
Don’t be crabby! Just come on down to the nature center and discover the fascinating life of crabs: Mud Crabs, Blue Crabs, Spider Crabs, and the other crabby critters that live at the harbor. We’ll have lots of hands-on activities and fun games.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

EARTH ARTS
Fridays, June 27 through August 29
10:00 a.m. to noon
For children four to twelve years old. Separate classes for each age level.
Stories of Mother Earth and her fascinating creatures will inspire you to create wonderful works of art using materials found in nature. Class sizes are small and fill quickly. Preregistration is strongly recommended.
Cost: $12 per day for members,
$16 per day for nonmembers.

AQUA TRAILS KAYAK KAMP – BASIC
Monday through Wednesday,
July 7 to 9 and August 4 to 6
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Kayaking fun for water lovers between the ages of twelve and sixteen in the safe waters of Cape May Harbor. No kayaking experience is necessary, and all gear is provided. Topics will include kayak safety, basic paddling skills, wet exit, and self-rescue techniques. Bring lunch, water, water shoes, towel, windbreaker, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses with retainer, and dress to get wet. Offered by Aqua Trails Kayak Tours, this program will be held at the nature center and adjacent Cape May Harbor. Students must be able to swim. Classes are limited to eight participants and fill quickly; preregistration is strongly recommended.
Cost: $150/student for 3-day session.

AQUA TRAILS KAYAK KAMP – ADVANCED
Monday through Wednesday,
July 21 to 23
9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Building on lessons learned in Basic Kayak Kamp, experienced instructors from Aqua Trails Kayak Tours will cover advanced strokes, rescue, chart interpretation, trip planning, tides, basic meteorology, and local ecology. The Basic Kayak Kamp is a prerequisite for this Advanced Kamp. Students must be able to swim. Please pack lunch and plenty of water each day. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses with retainer, towel, windbreaker, and wear water shoes and clothing appropriate for getting wet. Students will meet at the nature center for the first day of class. Meeting locations for subsequent days of class may change. Class is limited to eight students, and fills quickly; preregistration is highly recommended.
Cost: $200/student for 3-day session.

EXPLORE THE SHORE
Mondays, August 18 and 25
10:30 a.m.
For children ages 6 and up. How about some end-of-summer fun? One of our most popular programs is now just for kids! Join our marine biologists as they pull a forty-foot seine net through the waters of Cape May Harbor. We’ll get up-close and personal with a large variety of fish, crabs, and other aquatic wildlife. Then we’ll head into the lab and learn more about this wild and watery world. Preregistration is strongly recommended. Limited to 20 children.
Cost: members $6, nonmembers $8.

WONDER KIDS
For children age three thru kindergarten. Separate classes for each grade level.
June 23 through August 14
Monday and Wednesday
or Tuesday and Thursday,
two sessions per week
10:00 a.m. to noon
Are you ready for the summer? We’ll explore and learn about nature through the eyes of some of the best children’s authors. Topics will be influenced by some beloved favorites like Charlotte’s Web, The Little Mermaid, and other timeless classics. Come play with us with outdoor games, stories, arts and crafts, experiments, critter encounters, and so much more. Also, joining us each Wednesday will be visiting educators from the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve. Class sizes are small and fill quickly. Preregistration is strongly recommended.
Cost: $12 per day for members, $16 per day for nonmembers.
Join us for these exciting topics:

June 23 to 26: Spider Spinners
This week is a spider lover’s dream. We’ll get up close and personal with “Charlotte” and her eight-legged friends.
June 30 to July 3: Beach Buddies
Harbor creatures come in many shapes and sizes. Let’s head to the harbor and “talk” to the crabs and critters of the beach.
July 7 to 10: Wild Woodlands
Put on your hikin’ boots! Join Bambi and his friends as we head for the woods and learn about the creatures of the forest.
July 14 to 17: Ocean Adventure
Why do fish have fins? Do sharks sleep? Why doesn’t an octopus get all tangled in his legs? Dive into the world of the Little Mermaid and her fishy friends.
July 21 to 24: Wings Away
The Ugly Duckling wasn’t so ugly after all…he grew to be a beautiful swan. Learn about birds, bees, dragonflies, and more as we take a look at life on the wing.
July 28 to 31: Divin’ Dolphins
They are everyone’s favorite ocean adventurers. Whales, dolphins, and seals are our cousins from the abyss. Their secrets are waiting to be discovered by our “wonder kids.”
August 4 to 7: Snakes Alive!
We’ll gather the bare necessities and head out to search for those raging reptiles. It’s a jungle out there…filled with snakes, turtles, and lizards. Oh, my!
August 11 to 14: Dazzling Beaches
Grab a bucket and a shovel as we explore the sandy shore. We’ll use nets, sieves, magnifying lenses, and more. Then we’ll build sandy towers and have a beach party.

NATURE RANGERS
For children entering grades 1 and 2.
June 23 through August 14
Monday through Thursday,
four-day session
10:00 a.m. to noon
Hey, Nature Rangers, let’s get going! We’re interested in the world around us, and we’re ready to explore. Each week, we’ll investigate our environment through experiments, games, arts and crafts, and hands-on activities.
Also, joining us each Wednesday will be visiting educators from the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve. Class sizes are small and fill quickly. Preregistration is strongly recommended.
Cost: NJAS members $12 per day, nonmembers $16 per day.
Don’t miss these exciting topics:

June 23 to 26: Swallow This!
Animals need to eat too. How do they find food? What do they like to eat? Who’s eating them? Explore the world of fascinating food webs.
June 30 to July 3: Ocean Energy Lab
The harbor is the perfect exploration site for action-packed experiments. Join us as we explore sun, wind, and water in Dr. E’s Energy Lab.
July 7 to 10: The Wild Life
The woods are filled with fascinating creatures. Come hike with us as we learn about the birds, mammals, and other animals that call the woodland home.
July 14 to 17: Fin-Tastic Fish
What swims, splashes, burrows, and crawls in Cape May Harbor? Explore the shore, and discover the animals that call the ocean home.
July 21 to 24: Birds of a Feather
Join us as we explore the world of our feathered friends. Birds of the sky have inspired us to fly...we’ll investigate birds, butterflies, and flight.
July 28 to 31: Magnificent Marine Mammals
Let’s go on a deep sea dive expedition! Whales, dolphins, and seals are our cousins from the abyss. Their secrets are waiting to be discovered.
August 4 to 7: Frogger
Up close and personal…that’s how we like our critters. Frogs, toads, snakes, and lizards; let’s learn about our amphibian and reptile friends.
August 11 to 14: Geology Rocks!
Mining for diamonds! Our world-famous Cape May diamonds and other glittering gems are waiting to be discovered here on our harbor beach.

NATURE WIZARDS
For children entering grades 3 thru 5.
June 23 through August 14
Monday through Thursday,
four-day session
10:00 a.m. to noon
Come one, come all, and join us for a summer of green fun and discovery! Each week we’ll investigate our environment and examine science through experiments, games, and hands-on activities. We will also learn “green living” concepts throughout the sum-mer. Topics like solar power, wind energy, aqua-culture, and other green living methods will be incorporated into each weekly topic. Also, joining us each Wednesday will be visiting educators from the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve. Classes fill quickly and pre-registration is strongly recommended.
Cost: $12 per day for members, $16 per day for nonmembers.
Don’t miss these exciting topics:

June 23 to 26: Goin’ Green
Shelter made with growing plants? Gardens growing without soil? Plants that eat insects? Join us this week cause we’re going green with gardens, plants, and composting.
June 30 to July 3: Habitat Harbor
Wetlands have many secrets, and we have just the team to investigate them. How do plants and animals survive in such a changing habitat? Grab a net and let’s find out.
July 7 to 10: Mean, Green, Building Machine
How is nature an inspiration for building and design? Honeycombs, wings, caves, and more will be our “blueprint” as we engineer and build our own model shelters and green creations.
July 14 to 17: Sharks and Fish and Oceans Deep
It’s busy down there! Join our scientific team as we investigate the “Life Aquatic” and learn to be fish farmers!
July 21 to 24: Got Solar?
How do you harness the power of the sun? This week we’ll experiment, play with solar power, and check out the center’s new solar panels!
July 28 to 31: Water World
Cape May Harbor provides the perfect exploration site for marine discoveries. How can we use wind and water as an alternative source of energy? Learn about salinity, water quality, and other water topics this week.
August 4 to 7: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
It’s so easy being green. Let’s think outside the cereal box and learn to make our own environmentally friendly cleaning products, make reusable shopping bags, and come up with other cool ways to be green.
August 11 to 14: Dig It Up!
Become a science investigator and search for signs from the past. We’ll track animals, find fossils, and learn about fossil fuels and their alternatives.

HARBORSIDE EXPLORERS
For children entering grades 4 thru 9.
Monday through Thursday,
June 23 through August 14
9:30 a.m. to noon
Become a real scientist for the summer! Every two weeks we will have fun in the sun as we focus on a different aspect of marine science and explore Cape May Harbor up and down, day and night, inside and out! Also, joining us each Wednesday will be visiting educators from the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve. Class size is limited and preregistration is highly recommended. Daily walk-in registrations will be accepted on a space-available basis.
Cost: $12 per day for members, $16 per day for nonmembers.

June 23 to July 3: Sensing the Sea
There’s a lot going on out there, and scientists are finding out more and more as they explore the water near our shore. These first two weeks we’ll be looking at some of the tools of the trade and making interesting discoveries with some tools of our own.
July 7 to 17: Swimmers, Diggers, and Drifters
Critters in the ocean come in all shapes and sizes with fins and claws, small eyes, long antennae, pulsing and wiggling, tentacles and tube feet. We’ll be catching and examining some amazing sea life and creating new creature features as we go.
July 21 to 31: Ocean in Motion
The energy of the sun, wind, and the turn of the earth give the ocean its ups and downs and ins and outs. These two weeks we’ll be putting these same powers to work and play, as we experiment with motion in the ocean.
August 4 to 14: Cape May Castaway
These last weeks of summer will be a matter of survival as we become shipwrecked on a “deserted” isle. Will we ever see civilization again? Will we all get out alive? Join us and find out who will live to tell the tale.

FREE FAMILY PROGRAMS

FEEDING TIME AT THE AQUARIA
Saturdays, July 5 thru August 30
10:30 a.m.
Help a nature center naturalist care for and feed our aquaria animals. Learn about our fishy friends in their saltwater world. We’ll explore many topics in these informal presentations.
Cost: free.

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAYS
Sundays, June 29 thru August 31
Ongoing throughout the day
Want to try a challenge or two with every walk you take? Can you spy an aster or a milkweed bug? With every successful discovery, you will identify the fascinating plants and animals living here. We offer a variety of scavenger hunts for your sensory awareness. See how many of the treasures you can find. Answer all the challenges and win a Nature Center of Cape May prize package! Cost: free.

RAINY DAY AND NOTHING TO DO?
Daily, June through August
Come on over to the nature center for a day of hands-on nature fun! Explore our natural history exhibits, hands-on children’s activities, giant floor puzzles, scavenger hunts, nature crafts, plus all the free things to do listed below. Special activity packets will be available for purchase, to do at the center or to take along when you leave.

CAPE MAY COUNTY 4-H FAIR
July 17, 18, and 19
Noon to 9:00 p.m.
Stop by the annual Cape May County 4-H Fair to see the many environmental education exhibits on display. Many exhibits are created by participants of the Nature Center of Cape May’s summer children’s classes. The fair includes rides, animal exhibits and shows, great food, 4-H exhibits, special attractions, and fun for the whole family. Open other times for special events. For more information on the fair, call 609.465.5115.

Special Activities for Teens: Junior Internships
The 4-H Junior Intern Program provides opportunities for junior and senior high school students to work as assistants during the eight-week Children’s Summer Programs at the nature center. Junior interns receive specialized educational training and guidance from teacher-naturalists who mentor them. Daily assignments are flexible and take place each day between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. A mandatory intern training session is held every Friday from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The internship also includes a community service project, providing opportunities for participants to share what they have learned and to make a lasting contribution to the Nature Center of Cape May. Interested students should contact B.J. Webersinn, 4-H agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 4 Moore Road, Cape May Court House, NJ, 08210. Phone 609.465.5115 x-605, fax 609.465.5953, or e-mail jesuncosky@rcre.rutgers.edu for more information and an application.

Sanctuary Notes

Three hours a week is really not a lot of time. Consider helping the nature center by volunteering three hours a week. We can use your help, whether it’s one day a week or one day a month. The Nature Center of Cape May invites everyone who is willing to meet new people, have a lot of fun, and help the organization grow. Come join our volunteer team!

As a volunteer here at the Nature Center of Cape May, you will have the opportunity to share your skills in leading program participants to discover the wonders of the natural world, assisting visitors in the education center, maintaining and developing our facility, assisting with data entry or sales in the Nature Store, and with many more opportunities.

As New Jersey Audubon Society and the Nature Center of Cape May continue to grow, we need the hard work and dedication that you as a volunteer provide! Call us now, or better yet, just stop in! See you soon.

Going Green

NCCM is now harnessing the power of the sun through solar panels on the roof of our welcome center. Stop by to see how easy it is to get free electricity from the sun and learn about other ways we are working to conserve energy.

NCCM Information Page

PUBLIC VISITATION HOURS:
June, July, August – Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Open other times for special programs

FREE ADMISSION AND FREE PARKING YEAR-ROUND

Spring Calendar of Events

Summer, 2008

FREE THINGS TO DO AT THE NATURE CENTER:

PROGRAM REGISTRATION

Daytime Family Programs

EVENING FAMILY PROGRAMS

Family Fun Fests and Campfire Circles
Wednesdays, July 9 through August 13

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

FREE FAMILY PROGRAMS

Sanctuary Notes

Going Green

NCCM Information Page

PUBLIC VISITATION HOURS: June, July, August – Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Open other times for special programs

FREE ADMISSION AND FREE PARKING YEAR-ROUND

Spring Calendar of Events

Summer, 2008

FREE THINGS TO DO AT THE NATURE CENTER:

PROGRAM REGISTRATION

Daytime Family Programs

EVENING FAMILY PROGRAMS

Family Fun Fests and Campfire Circles Wednesdays, July 9 through August 13

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

FREE FAMILY PROGRAMS

Sanctuary Notes

Going Green

PUBLIC VISITATION HOURS:
June, July, August – Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Open other times for special programs

Family Fun Fests and Campfire Circles
Wednesdays, July 9 through August 13